Headset vs. Handset — What's the Difference?

A headphone or pair of headphones, usually equipped with a microphone.

A handset is a component of a telephone that a user holds to the ear and mouth to receive audio through the receiver and speak to the remote party via the built-in transmitter. In earlier telephones the transmitter was mounted directly on the telephone itself, which was attached to a wall at a convenient height or affixed to a desk stand.

A pair of headphones or earphones, or a singular headphone or earphone, typically with an attached microphone.

The handle-shaped part of a telephone, containing the receiver and transmitter and often a dial or push buttons.

Any electronic device worn on the head.

The part of a landline telephone containing both receiver and transmitter (and sometimes dial), held in the hand.

(cycling) On a bicycle, the system of bearings that connects the fork to the frame.

A mobile phone.

Receiver consisting of a pair of headphones

A hand-held device for remote control of a piece of equipment.

(typography) To typeset by hand.

The mouthpiece and earpiece of a communications device mounted on a single handle; as, when the telephone rings, pick up the handset.

Telephone set with the mouthpiece and earpiece mounted on a single handle